Sedans and Coupes Can Outperform Trucks and SUVs in Winter Driving

While larger vehicles have advantages, smaller cars have shorter stopping distances and better weight distribution.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 12:39pm

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While pickup trucks and SUVs are commonly thought to be better in snowy and icy conditions due to their higher ground clearance and 4-wheel drive capabilities, sedans and coupes can actually have some advantages in winter driving. Smaller vehicles tend to have shorter stopping distances and better weight distribution, which can be important factors in slippery conditions. Experts say that tires are the most critical component for winter driving performance, regardless of vehicle size.

Why it matters

Many drivers assume that larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs are inherently safer in winter weather, but this may not always be the case. Understanding the nuances of how different vehicle types perform in snow and ice can help consumers make more informed decisions about their winter driving needs and safety.

The details

Pickup trucks have more ground clearance and often come with 4-wheel drive, which can help them power through snow. However, 2-wheel drive trucks can struggle with traction. SUVs also offer good ground clearance, and many come with 4-wheel or all-wheel drive systems. But their weight distribution is often better than trucks, making them more stable. Sedans and coupes have less ground clearance, but their lighter weight means they have shorter stopping distances, which can be crucial in slippery conditions. Experts say that tires are the most important factor for winter driving performance, regardless of vehicle type.

  • On January 30, 2026, the Detroit Free Press published this article examining the winter driving performance of different vehicle types.

The players

Wes Boling

The senior communications and content manager for Nokian Tyre, an automotive tire manufacturer.

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What they’re saying

“SUVs tend to have better weight distribution than pickups, whose light rear ends can increase the risk of fishtailing.”

— Wes Boling, Senior Communications and Content Manager (Detroit Free Press)

“But tires remain the most important factor, since they're the only part of a vehicle that touches the road. And drivers shouldn't believe that size automatically means safety; after all, larger vehicles take longer to stop, making traction with the road that much more vital.”

— Wes Boling, Senior Communications and Content Manager (Detroit Free Press)

The takeaway

When it comes to winter driving performance, vehicle size and drivetrain are not the only factors to consider. Smaller sedans and coupes can actually outperform larger trucks and SUVs in certain situations due to their shorter stopping distances and better weight distribution. The most important factor for all vehicles is having the right tires for the conditions.